Ivanova8

@@Tikvah What is a Livnot U'Lehibanot program?

@@Dmclaren83 Good point about having loose clothing for the trip home. Thanks.

@@BypassKrista Thanks for the insight. I totally understand about not wanting to moon anyone. I hope I don't have to a catheter. I've heard that they hurt. Is that true? Glad that it's all behind you now and that you are on your way!

@@poohbear1019 For sure I would try another trainer. I love my trainer. She works within the limitations of my arthritic knees and my lower back pain and still she gives me a great sweaty workout without hurting anything. Talking to her is important. I let her know my goals and limitations and if a new routine causes me discomfort I let her know immediately so we can either skip it or modify it. A trainer is a wonderful resource when you find the right one. Look at their credentials and interview them until you find the right one. They are not cheap so be picky and choose the one that fits you best.

@@GalileeGal I wish the sleeve was popular here. But in Ontario, Canada the RNY is first and the sleeve is only if you have a condition that precludes the surgeon doing the RNY. You don't really have a choice except some doctors I've heard will at least listen to why you think you should have the VSG and then may do it. I know everyone is different but I love seeing the success that you've had with your sleeve. I asked where you are because your name made me think you were in the Galil and we have Tiberias and Tzfat on our short list for our trip to Israel next year.

@@GalileeGal Hi! It's nice to know that there are bariatric sleevers in Israel as my husband and I are thinking of making aliyah at some point in the future. I'm slated for the RNY here in Canada but wish I could have the sleeve instead. Thanks for letting me know you've had no problems with all the yummy foods, in much smaller portions as you said. But it's nice to know you don't have to never have something again. That messes with your head. There's really a big difference in the Protein requirements between here and there because they are really big on the Protein shakes here. Maybe I'll ask more about that at my nutritional meeting. Interesting name. Are you in Tiberias? All the best and continued success in your weight loss journey.

Hello. Does anyone know if having kidney stones before bariatric surgery impacts whether the surgeon will decide that you have the Roux En-Y or vertical sleeve gastrectomy? I currently have two kidney stones (one in each kidney) and my GP doesn't plan on doing anything about them. I didn't even know I had them until I had an ultrasound done for something unrelated.

Doesn't the hospital gown leave your tushy exposed? I thought I'd bring a long gown or a pair of PJ bottoms for modesty's sake. I like whoever said about bringing non-slip slippers. I would imagine the floor would be very cold on your walks around the ward. Were you ladies on a floor with only women? When you took your walks would you pass by men (not including male nurses)?

@@BriWLS What do you consider a long wait? A couple of weeks or a few months?

@@Lallylocks Amazing how I've read accounts where things bottle up and then all of sudden everything moves very quickly. I hope you are doing well and loving your weight loss journey.

@@cab127 I'm sure it'll be soon. There's probably a big break for the holidays in December. Good luck with your stress test.

@@Lallylocks Welcome! Lucky you, you're already on your way. It's nice to see Saskatchewan does the gastric sleeve. I wish they did it here but only under special circumstances. How are you feeling? Congrats on the 22 lbs gone!

@@cab127 I've done orientation, the social worker and the nurse practitioner. I'm scheduled to see the psychologist on Friday. My blood work and EKG have also been done. My NUT info session and dietitian appointments are in November and I have a surgeon consult in mid-December. I wonder how long after that will they schedule the surgery? Providing of course all else goes well. What about you? Do you have your date yet?

@@James Marusek LOL! Good for you!

@bellabill I'm so glad you asked this question as my glasses are getting tighter on my face especially around my temples. I sure hope my nose and face get smaller! Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences. There's hope! Yeah!

@@Bronxmerci Gez Louise, he didn't didn't know whether he was coming or going. You certainly made the right call in trying to keep it to yourself. That's certainly my intention unless someone let's the cat out of the bag. I can't imagine what he'll say when he see's you next looking all fine and skinny. Congrats on being now 2 days post-op. You're on your way!

Thanks Ruth for the Optifast info. I wanted to see if it was the Kosher one that they made available and it is! So that's a big plus for me.

Welcome anewme2015! I'm at Toronto Western so I can't help you with wait times. Good luck on your journey!

I have not had surgery yet. But I can't tell you how many places on this forum that I've read about the dreaded 3 week stall. From what I've read it's normal. They say to stick to the plan the surgeon and nutritionist gave you and you'll be back to losing weight again in no time. I'm sure a veteran loser will have more to add shortly. Stay positive and keep your eye on the prize! Oh! and don't weigh yourself everyday. Hide the scale! =)

You go girl! You're doing great!

@@RuthFour Hi RuthFour! Welcome! The DS isn't offered here in Canada under OHIP. So are you a RNY or VSG gal? Congrats on your surgery being just around the corner! By the way which Optifast are you taking? Is it the Optifast 900? I see there are a few different product lines for Optifast.

I think that's so true Ginger Snaps. I think someone else also said that Americans and I think western society in general no longer recognizes what a normal weight looks like. It can make being overweight "comfortable" because you fit in with all that's around you. But you know that your health is suffering and that you're not participating in activities that you used to enjoy and it generally affects your life style. It's just not sustainable. She said "Oh, there was no way you needed that surgery!" How funny complimenting how I look great and then telling me I didn't do it the right way. Yes that is funny. Maybe sometimes people are trying to be nice in their own way not realizing that what they say may be hurtful or strange at the same time.

@ Maybe it's all in my head but I so get what you're saying. When I walk into the clinic or a group meeting I feel like people look at me like, what are you doing here? I'm still pre-op and I'm at the bottom of the qualifying BMI with two co-morbidities. But this level of qualification exists for a reason! They even make me feel guilty sometimes. So without the high blood pressure and arthritis in my knees and ankles I wouldn't qualify for surgery. But if I could have done this on my own I would have done it already! But do I want to explain this to every person I meet? Heck no. So like many others here, other than my husband and maybe one friend who will help in my first days home, I'm telling no-one. I love some of the suggested responses to the awful, "you don't look that big" statement. Stupid stuff really does just fall out of some people's mouths.

@@cpower100 I hope your follow-up appointment gave you renewed hope and answers to your questions.

I lost quite a bit of weight on a very low carb diet a year ago that also included "special" B12 Vitamin shots that you got 3 times per week. But like so many extreme diets I quickly gained it all back plus some after stopping. And unless you have a tiny stomach it seems like an impossible way of eating forever. I have not had my surgery yet which will more than likely be a gastric bypass. I've read that you really should try to max out your first year honeymoon period for as much weight loss as you can manage. After rearranging my insides I'd really like to make the most of it. I was thinking maybe a regular low carb diet for life might also be my best option because from that diet last year I think I discovered that carbs are really my Achilles heel. So has anyone tried a low carb or a very low carb diet after weight loss surgery? If so for how long did you do it before transitioning over to a more normal way of eating? Did you think it was helpful? Thanks.